CN111093364A

CN111093364A - therapeutic equipment for animals

Info

Publication number: CN111093364A
Application number: CN201880058524.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: H·克拉克; J·克拉克
Original assignee: Innovative Pet Products Co Ltd
Current assignee: Innovative Pet Products Co Ltd
Priority date: 2017-07-27
Filing date: 2018-07-24
Publication date: 2020-05-01
Also published as: CA3107887A1; WO2019018887A1; AU2018308718A1; US11707051B2; EP3657938A4; EP3657938A1; CA3107887C; US20200196566A1; AU2018308718B2

Abstract

A treatment device for an animal is provided, the device comprising a base and a plurality of food entrapment members extending from the base, the food entrapment members and base being configured such that they together define an area in which a food paste may be entrapped, thereby inhibiting the tongue of a pet from licking the food paste out of the area, the base and entrapment members being made of a food grade material, wherein the entrapment members extend from a first side of the base.

Description

Treatment device for animals

Technical Field

Various examples of therapeutic devices for animals are described herein.

Background

Pet behavior problems arise when the pet is bored or has separation anxiety. This can occur when the pet is alone for a long period of time. Pets may exhibit destructive behavior due to boredom and/or separation anxiety.

It is well known that the environment of a pet can be enriched by toys and treats. However, providing a pet with an edible food for a long period of time with minimal caloric intake can be a challenge.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect, there is provided a treatment device for an animal, the device comprising:

a base; and

a plurality of food entrapment members extending from the base, the food entrapment members and the base being configured such that they collectively define an area in which food paste may be captured, thereby inhibiting the tongue of the pet from licking the food paste out of the area, the base and the entrapment members being made of a food grade material, wherein the entrapment members extend from a first side of the base, and the base at least partially encloses a volume to have an inner surface from which the food entrapment members extend into the volume.

The base may be rectangular.

A wall is disposed on the base and extends around a licking area in which the food entrapment member is disposed.

The upper end of the food entrapment member may be generally aligned with the upper edge of the wall.

The second side of the base may be a surface configured to prevent slippage of the base when the first side is licked.

By including a suction device on the second side of the device, the device can be prevented from slipping.

The enclosed volume may be a channel extending through the base.

The passage may be frusto-conical.

The material of the base may be resilient and the base and the entrapment member may be configured such that the base may be flipped over to present the inner surface outwardly.

The gripping means may be substantially adjacent at least one end of the channel.

The food entrapment member may be an array of discrete protrusions. The discrete protrusions may be evenly spaced apart.

The projection may be a post or rod extending from the base. Each rod may be cylindrical and may have a rounded upper or free end.

Each food entrapment member may be two intersecting capture members. The capture member may be substantially straight. The capture members may intersect substantially orthogonally.

The food entrapment member defines an array of discrete receptacles in which food paste can be captured.

The entrapment member may be in the form of intersecting ridges.

The base may have a frustoconical second side.

According to another aspect, there is provided a treatment device for an animal, the device comprising:

a base; and

a plurality of food entrapment members extending from the base, the food entrapment members and the base being configured such that they collectively define an area in which food paste may be captured, thereby inhibiting the tongue of the pet from licking the food paste out of the area, the base and the entrapment members being made of food grade materials, wherein the food entrapment members are an array of discrete protrusions and each are two intersecting capture members.

The base may be rectangular and generally planar.

The catch member may extend from an upper side of the base.

The wall may be disposed on the base to extend around a licking area where the food entrapment member is disposed.

The lower side of the base may be a surface configured to prevent the base from slipping when the upper side is licked.

By mounting the suction means on the lower side, the device can be inhibited or prevented from slipping.

The capture member may be substantially straight. The capture members may intersect substantially orthogonally.

Each two intersecting capture members may be connected to two adjacent intersecting capture members to form a matrix of substantially uniform quadrilateral areas.

The upper side of the base may include a peripheral groove between the wall and the licking area.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a plan view of one embodiment of a treatment device for an animal, including details of a protrusion and walls extending from a base of the device.

Fig. 2 shows a plan view of another embodiment of a treatment apparatus for an animal.

Fig. 3 shows a three-dimensional top view of another embodiment of a treatment apparatus for an animal.

Fig. 4 shows a three-dimensional top view of another embodiment of a treatment apparatus for an animal.

Fig. 5 shows a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of a treatment apparatus for an animal.

Fig. 6 shows a three-dimensional view of the apparatus of fig. 5 in an inverted configuration.

Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a treatment apparatus for an animal.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in fig. 7 in an inverted configuration.

Fig. 9 shows a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of a treatment apparatus for an animal.

Fig. 10 shows the apparatus of fig. 9 in an inverted configuration.

Fig. 11 shows a top view of another embodiment of a treatment apparatus for an animal.

Fig. 12 shows a bottom view of the device of fig. 11.

Fig. 13 shows a side view of the device shown in fig. 11.

Fig. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the device of fig. 11.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1, reference numeral 10 generally designates a treatment apparatus for an animal.

The apparatus 10 includes a base 12. The base 12 is rectangular and generally flat. In one embodiment, the base 12 is square. A plurality of food entrapment members extend from base 12. In this embodiment, the food entrapment member is an array of discrete projections 14. The protrusions 14 are evenly spaced apart on the mat. The projections 14 are posts or rods extending from the base 12. The projection 14 is cylindrical. The boss 14 has a rounded upper end 16.

The size and spacing of the protrusions 14 are selected so that they define a region 18 for trapping food paste, thereby preventing the pet's tongue from licking the food paste out of the region 18. By "food paste" is meant any food in a state that can be smeared or smeared into a container, such as one of the areas 18. Thus, the food paste may be minced, ground or softened meat and/or vegetables, traditional canned or canned dog or cat food, or any other form of pasty animal food. It is envisaged that the food paste may be smooth or may contain large chunks of food elements.

The device 10 may be made of food grade materials. The food grade material may be a food grade thermoplastic rubber. This material is free of bisphenol a and is suitable for long-term contact with food. Thus, the base 12 and the projections 14 are food grade materials. It is envisaged that other types of materials which are safe for long term use by animals may also be suitable.

The height of the protrusions 14 may be between about 1mm and 3mm, for example, about 2 mm. The base 12 may have a thickness of between about 1mm to 3mm, for example, about 2 mm.

Outer wall 20 extends from base 12 around lick region 22 from inside the edge of base 12. Protrusions 14 are located in lick region 22. The upper end 16 of the projection 14 is generally aligned with the upper edge 24 of the wall 20. Thus, the food paste may be held by walls 20 within licking area 22 to prevent food paste from being licked out of area 22.

The height of the outer wall 20 is between about 1mm and 3mm, for example 2 mm.

The outer wall 20 has a rounded upper edge 24.

Various sizes of the device 10 may be provided. In one embodiment, the base 12 may be a square having sides of about 20 cm. However, it is contemplated that other dimensions may be suitable as desired. For example, for larger dogs, the width of the base may be between about 20cm and 30cm (e.g., about 25cm wide) and between about 30cm and 40cm (e.g., about 35cm wide).

In fig. 2, reference numeral 30 generally designates a treatment apparatus for an animal.

Treatment device 30 includes a wall 32, wall 32 extending from an inside edge of base 12 around lick region 22. The wall 32 has a rounded upper edge 34.

In fig. 3, reference numeral 40 generally designates a treatment apparatus for an animal.

The apparatus 40 includes a plurality of food entrapment members in the form of discrete pairs of intersecting capture members 42. The capture member 42 is generally straight. However, it is contemplated that capture members having different configurations may also be suitable. For example, the capture member 42 may be a curved or angled component.

In this embodiment, the capture members 42 take the form of straight-walled components that are orthogonal to one another. Thus, the entrapment member in this embodiment is cruciform. It is contemplated that the wall members may intersect at different angles.

The retaining members are evenly spaced apart and define an area 44 where food paste can be retained.

In this embodiment, the outer wall 46 extends from an edge of the base 12. An inner wall 48 also extends from the base 12 inboard of the outer wall 46. Accordingly, a slot 50 surrounding lick region 52 is formed by

walls

46 and 48. The trough 50 may be filled with water to prevent ants and other insects from accessing the food paste.

A retaining member extends from base 12 in licking area 52. The height of

walls

46 and 48 is between about 1mm and 3mm (e.g., about 2 mm). The upper edges of

walls

46 and 48 may be rounded. The capture member 42 has a height of between about 1mm and 3mm (e.g., about 2 mm).

The length of each of the four arms of each entrapment member defined by the intersecting

walls

46 and 48 is between about 5mm and 10 mm. The intersection points of

walls

46 and 48 may be spaced from each other by about 5mm to 10 mm.

The apparatus 40 is particularly suitable for holding thick and viscous foods, such as peanut butter or wet biscuits.

In fig. 4, reference numeral 60 generally designates a treatment apparatus for an animal.

The apparatus 60 comprises a plurality of capture members in the form of an array of rectangular or square capture members 62 arranged in a rectangular or square grid on the base 12. These capture members 62 are provided by a rectangular or square outer wall 64 and two sets of intersecting inner walls 66.1 and 66.2, each set of intersecting inner walls 66.1 and 66.2 extending between respective opposite portions of the wall 64. Thus, the base 12 and the capture member 62 define an area or receptacle 68 that traps the food paste.

The outer wall 64 is located inwardly of the edge of the mat 12.

Walls 64 and 66 have a height of between about 1mm and 3mm, for example about 2 mm.

Each container 68 has sides that are about 15mm to 25mm long. The length depends on the size of the animal.

The apparatus 60 is particularly suitable for retaining food bar pastes, such as ground meat or ground fish.

In fig. 5 and 6, reference numeral 70 generally designates a treatment apparatus for an animal.

The apparatus 70 includes a base 72 having a frustoconical wall 74, the wall 74 having an inner side 76 defining a frustoconical passage 80 and an outer side 77 of frustoconical shape.

Any of the entrapment members described above may be positioned on the inner side 76 to extend into the passage 80. In the embodiment shown in fig. 5 and 6, the entrapment member is similar to that of apparatus 40 and is therefore designated by reference numeral 42.

An edge wall 82 extends from the large end of the inner side 76. An edge wall 84 extends from the small end of the inner side 76. Thus, frustoconical licking region 86 is located or disposed between

walls

82 and 84.

Walls

82 and 84 have a height of between about 1mm and 3mm, for example, about 2 mm.

As described above, the base 12 and the entrapment member may be made of thermoplastic rubber. This material is elastically bendable. Thus, the device 70, in its use configuration shown in fig. 5, may be inverted to the configuration shown in fig. 6 for cleaning purposes and to add food batter.

The device 70 is useful in that the device 70 rolls over when the animal attempts to lick the food paste from the licking area 86. This may attract the animal in a distracting manner, as the animal may attempt to grasp the device 70 while licking.

Further, the apparatus 70 is generally frustoconical. Thus, it will tend to roll back towards the animal, which will help avoid loss of the device and will also help avoid frustration of the animal.

In this embodiment, the length of the device 70 may be between about 10cm and 15cm, for example between about 11cm and 13 cm. The diameter of the large end of the device may be between about 12cm and 20cm, for example between about 14cm and 18 cm. The small end of the device may be between about 3cm and 12cm in diameter, for example between 5cm and 9 cm. Various other dimensions may also be suitable based on the size of the animal and other parameters.

In the various embodiments described, the device may be a single, one-piece item. For example, the device may be moulded from a material such as thermoplastic rubber or some other animal food grade material. It is contemplated that other forms of manufacture can be used.

The device 70 is depicted as being frustoconical. It is contemplated that the treatment device may have many different shapes. Regardless of the shape, the treatment device may be flipped or turned inside out to clean or apply the food paste before being flipped back to its use state, or the treatment device may be used in a flipped configuration.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is generally tubular, of which the frustoconical shape is one. In those embodiments, the length of the device may be between 12cm and 20 cm. It is contemplated that other dimensions are equally suitable.

In fig. 7 and 8, reference numeral 100 generally designates another embodiment of a treatment apparatus for an animal.

The device 100 is shown to illustrate that the base 12 need not define a channel. The base may be of any configuration that provides an unstable support surface. Here, the base 12 defines a partially enclosed, partially elliptical (bowl-like) volume 102 accessible through a mouth 104. A food entrapment member 106 extends from the base 12 into the volume 102. Food entrapment member 106 may be in the form of any of the various food entrapment members described above, or may be in the form of other food entrapment members.

The base 12 is made of an elastomeric material and can be flipped to the state shown in fig. 8. This provides easy access to component 106, which component 106 is also generally indicated at licking area 108. In that case, licking area 108 may be cleaned and/or smeared or covered with a food paste. Once completed, the base 12 may return to the state shown in fig. 7.

Thus, the base 12 may be configured such that when it is flipped over, it may retain the shape shown in fig. 8.

In fig. 9 and 10, reference numeral 120 generally designates one embodiment of a treatment apparatus for an animal.

In this embodiment, the device has a base in the form of a tubular wall 122. The wall 122 is made of the same or similar material as the other devices described above. The thickness and length of the wall 122 also allows it to be inverted or flipped into the state shown in fig. 10.

An entrapment member of any of the above devices is positioned on inner surface 124 to provide an internal licking area 126.

The length of the wall 122 may be between about 10cm and 22cm, such as between about 12cm and 20 cm. Other lengths may also be suitable depending on the animal. The type of animal may also determine the diameter of the passage 128 defined by the wall 122.

In any embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, slipping or sliding of the apparatus may be prevented or inhibited by including a suction device on the apparatus. In the case of the apparatus of the invention having a flat configuration (as shown in figures 1 to 4 for example), the suction means may be attached or fixed to the underside of the apparatus, in contact with the surface on which the apparatus is to be placed.

The suction means may be fixed to the device of the invention in any feasible manner and may be permanently fixed or removably fixed. The suction device can also be manufactured integrally with the apparatus as one piece.

In fig. 11 to 14, an embodiment of the device 130 having a closed configuration is shown, the device 130 comprising a suction means. In this embodiment, the gripping means is a suction cup 132 attached to a foot 134, the foot 134 effectively covering a small end 138 of the frusto-conical device 130. In this manner, the device 130 may be reversibly attached to a surface to prevent or minimize slippage or slippage of the device when in use.

The foot 134 and suction cup 132 may be manufactured as multiple parts or as a unitary piece and may be attached to the wall 136 at the small end 138 or the large end 140 of the frustoconical device, preferably at the small end 138. Alternatively, the device 130 is manufactured as an integral piece comprising the foot 134 and the suction cup 132.

The user will recognize that downward pressure on the device 130 toward the surface in contact with the suction cup 132 will cause the suction cup 132 to be secured to the surface by suction, thereby releasably securing the device 130 to the surface.

The suction cup 132 may include an outwardly projecting tab 142 that can be pulled by hand and used to pry the suction cup 132 away from the surface to release the suction of the suction cup 132 from the surface.

This configuration of the apparatus of the present invention is particularly useful when care is needed for the animal and distraction is required. When adsorbed to the ground, the configuration remains in one position, holding the animal in one position and being preoccupied with care. In addition, because this configuration also prevents the food on the inner side 76 from becoming wet when washing the animal, attention can be focused on washing the animal.

When used, the food paste may be spread into the licking area and the area defined by the various entrapment members. An animal (e.g., a dog or cat) may lick an area for an extended period of time without removing all of the food paste.

The treatment device described above is a challenge/reward based food delivery device that is capable of attracting pets for an extended period of time while delivering small amounts of food in the form of the food batter described above.

Licking is believed to promote the sedentary state of the dog. Thus, the use of the various devices described herein can provide a peaceful distraction to the dog when the dog is alone or subjected to stress (e.g., a thunderstorm or firework).

The above-described devices have been considered to provide tactile challenges in that various entrapment members prevent the food paste from being released to the animal. Thus, the device may inhibit "overfeeding" commonly associated with food-based attention transfer therapies.

In various pets, such as dogs, the buccal cavity, i.e. lips, tongue and mouth, is the main center of thermoregulation. In use, the device may be chilled in the summer, providing a cooling effect for pets as they lick the device. Thus, the material of the device may be selected to be safely usable for a refrigerator.

Because prolonged licking may promote a reduction in bacteria and undigested food particles on the tongue ("tongue cleaning method: clinical comparative test" -Pedrazzi V1, Sato S, de Mattos Mda G, Lara EH, Panzeri H), the device may help promote oral health. Tongue stimulation has been thought to also stimulate saliva production, which aids in cleaning the tongue, teeth, and gums.

The material of the device may also be chosen such that it can be repeatedly hand washed without damage.

Various tests performed on the device indicate that the device is acceptable to the pet. In general, the entrapment member effectively captures small food particles and thus increases the time it takes for the pet to lick the food that the device desires to access. This extended period of licking may lead to the aforementioned attention diversion and oral benefits.

In the case of the

devices

70 and 100, a means is provided that may further attract the animal because the

devices

70 and 100 may tend to roll or tumble when licked. To effectively lick, the animal would have to find a way to capture the

devices

70 and 100, such as by holding the

devices

70 and 100 between their paws.

The claims to follow should be construed to be included in the foregoing description.

In the description above, the use of the same reference numbers in different embodiments is merely for convenience and is intended to refer to similar components, not necessarily the same parts. Moreover, it is contemplated that similar components in the various embodiments may be interchanged to form further embodiments, where feasible. It is believed that such further embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and therefore such further embodiments need not be described in detail.

Where the context allows, throughout the specification, including the claims, the term "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" are to be interpreted as including one or more of the stated integers but not necessarily excluding any other integers.

It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to illustrate the invention, not to limit its scope. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention can be practiced with various modifications and additions.

When any number or range is described herein, the number or range is approximate, unless clearly stated otherwise. Recitation of ranges of values herein are intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate sub-range defined by such separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

Claims

1. A therapeutic device for animals, characterized in that the device comprises:

the base; and

A plurality of food-retaining members extending from the base, the food-retaining members and the base are configured such that they together define an area where food batter may be trapped, thereby inhibiting the pet's tongue from pulling food batter from the The base and the retention member are made of food-grade material, wherein the retention member extends from a first side of the base, and the base at least partially surrounds a volume to have an internal a surface from which the food retention member extends into the volume.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base is rectangular.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a wall is arranged on the base, the wall extending around the licking area where the food entrapment member is provided.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the upper end of the food retention member is substantially aligned with the upper edge of the wall.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second side of the base is a surface configured to prevent the base from slipping when the first side is licked.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the apparatus includes a suction device on the second side.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the volume is partially ellipsoidal.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the volume is a channel extending through the base.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the channel is frustoconical.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the material of the base is resilient, and the base and retention member are configured such that the base can be flipped over to present the desired surface outwardly. the inner surface.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the food retention member is an array of discrete protrusions.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the food retention member is an array of evenly spaced projections.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the protrusion is a post or rod extending from the base.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein each rod is cylindrical and has a rounded upper end.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein each of the food retention members is two intersecting capture members.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the capture member is generally straight.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the capture members intersect substantially orthogonally.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the food retention member defines an array of discrete receptacles in which the food paste can be retained.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the retention members are in the form of intersecting ridges.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base has a frustoconical second side.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a suction device on the end of the frustoconical side.

22. A therapeutic device for an animal, wherein the device comprises:

the base; and

A plurality of food-retaining members extending from the base, the food-retaining members and the base are configured such that they together define an area where food batter may be trapped, thereby inhibiting the pet's tongue from pulling food batter from the The base and the retention members are made of food grade material, wherein the retention members are an array of discrete protrusions, and each retention member is two intersecting capture members.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the base is rectangular and generally flat.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the retention member extends from an upper side of the base.

25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein a wall is arranged on the base, the wall extending around the licking area where the food entrapment member is provided.

26. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the upper end of the food retention member is substantially aligned with the upper edge of the wall.

27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the underside of the base is a surface configured to prevent the base from slipping when the upper side is licked.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising a suction device on the underside.

29. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the capture member is generally straight.

30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the capture members intersect substantially orthogonally.

31. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein each two intersecting capture members are connected to adjacent two intersecting capture members to form a matrix of substantially uniform quadrilateral regions.

32. The apparatus of any one of claims 25 to 30, wherein the upper side of the base includes a peripheral groove between the wall and the licking area.